Medicine in a Roman city

doi:10.5694/mja14.00346

Medicine in a Roman city

Published Jul 1, 2015 · Peter R Mayall

Medical Journal of Australia

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Abstract

The excavated city of Pompeii provides insight into medicine in first century CE Roman life one individual [was] found lying over a wooden chest of medical instruments containing a bronze needle used for treating cataracts . . . suggesting he was an eye specialist An examination of the archaeological sites and material at Pompeii related to medical treatment, including surgical instruments and other medical equipment, remnants of drugs and herbal medicines, evidence of traditional practices related to religion and the deities associated with healing and magic, as well as the human remains found, can provide some appreciation of how medical problems were dealt with in Roman society. Many of the medical instruments, procedures and medications used at that time would be familiar to modern practitioners.

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayPompeii's medical records reveal that first-century Romans used many familiar medical instruments, procedures, and medications, offering insight into medical treatment in Roman society.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Medicine in a Roman city

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